Missions Newsletter from the Blacks

Black’s Newsletter, Issue 20 October 13, 2005
Greetings Friends,


We are writing to you from the road as we travel through the Heartland (Ohio) Conference. Today is a warm day but they are predicting a cool weekend. Roanna is excited about the coming cold weather. We left the states four years ago on Nov. 7, 2001 and that was the last time we enjoyed the cool crisp weather of the fall season, so we are all looking forward to it.

Roanna is adjusting to doing her school work in the car and the Lord is helping us endure the long road trips. We have traveled over 20,000 miles since we arrived here in the US this past May.

You have been so thoughtful to help us as we have been traveling right in the middle of the worst fuel crises the US has seen in years. Thank you for caring for us and meeting our needs in such a wonderful way. It has been amazing to us how the Lord has supplied our needs and has kept us strong while traveling. We haven’t had to cancel a service yet, even though Roanna and Christina both have had to miss one service each because of sickness.

We have watched as one miracle after another has unfolded for us during this furlough time. In the month of August we faced a tremendous amount of expenses enrolling Robert at Hobe Sound Bible College. It was amazing to us how the Lord supplied every dollar that we needed right when we needed it. We were praying about a means of transportation for Robert because he would be working off campus to help pay his school bill, etc. The Lord worked another miracle and while we were filling in for Steve and Kay Vernon in Greensboro, Alabama a friend of theirs gave Robert a car! Even though it was an older model it provided what Robert needed for the moment. Isn’t God good!

Robert is enjoying his classes and life in the boy’s dorm. His Grandma Foley (Christina’s mother) fixed his room up so nicely before he arrived . She is enjoying having her grandson nearby. Please continue to pray for Robert as he prepares for his life of ministry.

Our fall rally services are going well. The share support pledges are coming in right on schedule. Many of you have given and partnered with us by taking a share and pledging to support us monthly. But for you who have not attended or will not be able to attend a rally service, we will share the following information for you to prayerfully consider.

As you know the mission has implemented a new Share Support Program. This program is designed to cover the cost of our monthly salary and living expenses while on the field for 3 years (we will no longer receive any salary through the assessment program or missions budget). The goal we need to reach is $75,000.00 which includes our monthly salary as well as the following needs and expenses:

Airfare (tickets) to fly to and from the Philippines - $6000.00 (aprox.)
Van Offering - $150.00 monthly (Paid to Mission Helps for the van we are using in our deputation travels)
Vehicle purchase when we return to the Philippines - $6000.00 to $7000.00 (for personal use).

If you are interested in supporting us monthly please send us your name and address and we will send you a share support coupon booklet. The coupon (payment) booklet is a simple tool to make it easy for you to remember your pledge every month. You can pledge $5, $10, $20, $50 or more a month by using these coupons.

As we prepare to return to the field this coming January, 2006, we ask that you continue to stand with us. Pray for us and together with God, great things can be accomplished.

We have enjoyed seeing you again and look forward to meeting many more of you (our supporters and pray partners) as we complete the rally tours by Nov. 20th.

Grateful for God’s many blessings,

David, Christina, Robert and Roanna Black